David Savastano, Editor05.18.16
The market for UV, UV LED and EB (electron beam) curable products continues to grow, as the technologies spread from core segments such as graphic arts and coatings to new fields. Exhibitors at RadTech 2016 say they are seeing new opportunities developing.
UV LED is a fast-growing area in the energy curing field.
“LED has truly come to the point where it is not a science fair project anymore,” said Jennifer Heathcote, regional sales manager for Phoseon Technologies. “We have already sold more than 50,000 units, and now we are seeing opportunities in wide web, 60 inches and up. Width no longer is a limitation, and LED actually runs faster.
“Digital inkjet LED is well established, screen is established for graphics and flexo is established,” Heathcote added. “Coatings companies are adapting LED now that their customers are demanding it.”
“Excelitas has been in UV LED for more than 10 years,” said Kirk Price, senior product manager at Excelitas. “”People are switching to LED because of the benefits. The horizon is continuing to improve the output and their applicability to multi-purpose applications.”
While Shamrock Technologies has been strong in UV waxes for packaging, the company is receiving interest in new segments.
“We are seeing quite a few new opportunities, not just in packaging, but in areas like floorings and cell phones. These applications are coming into focus,” said Ron Levitt, sales manager for Shamrock Technologies.
Robert Ruckle, global marketing and sales manager for Siltech Corporation, said that 3D printing looks like a good opportunity for UV.
“I like the way UV technology in 3D printing is growing,” Ruckle noted. “As more companies adopt 3D printing, UV will grow quickly. We are bullish on 3D printing’s continued growth.”
“3D printing using UV is coming, and optical coatings is a big growth area as well,” added Jeremy Smith, manager, sales and development for Nagase America Corporation. “New raw material development is pushing boundaries on what can be achieved.”
Kristen Adams, marketing manager, Collins Inkjet, noted that the electron beam field is a good opportunity.
“For us, we see electron beam as a complementary technology, ideal for where health and safety are a primary concern, “ Adams said.
“The water-based UV market for kitchen cabinetry and office furniture is very encouraging,” said Yasmin Sayed-Sweet, VP sales and marketing for Alberdingk Boley.
Michael Knoblauch, president of Keyland Polymers, said that capex spending is holding back UV powder coatings, but the opportunities are still there.
“The UV powder coatings market hasn’t grown to where we thought it would be, but it still has good growth potential and more companies are looking into the technology,” added Knoblauch.
UV LED is a fast-growing area in the energy curing field.
“LED has truly come to the point where it is not a science fair project anymore,” said Jennifer Heathcote, regional sales manager for Phoseon Technologies. “We have already sold more than 50,000 units, and now we are seeing opportunities in wide web, 60 inches and up. Width no longer is a limitation, and LED actually runs faster.
“Digital inkjet LED is well established, screen is established for graphics and flexo is established,” Heathcote added. “Coatings companies are adapting LED now that their customers are demanding it.”
“Excelitas has been in UV LED for more than 10 years,” said Kirk Price, senior product manager at Excelitas. “”People are switching to LED because of the benefits. The horizon is continuing to improve the output and their applicability to multi-purpose applications.”
While Shamrock Technologies has been strong in UV waxes for packaging, the company is receiving interest in new segments.
“We are seeing quite a few new opportunities, not just in packaging, but in areas like floorings and cell phones. These applications are coming into focus,” said Ron Levitt, sales manager for Shamrock Technologies.
Robert Ruckle, global marketing and sales manager for Siltech Corporation, said that 3D printing looks like a good opportunity for UV.
“I like the way UV technology in 3D printing is growing,” Ruckle noted. “As more companies adopt 3D printing, UV will grow quickly. We are bullish on 3D printing’s continued growth.”
“3D printing using UV is coming, and optical coatings is a big growth area as well,” added Jeremy Smith, manager, sales and development for Nagase America Corporation. “New raw material development is pushing boundaries on what can be achieved.”
Kristen Adams, marketing manager, Collins Inkjet, noted that the electron beam field is a good opportunity.
“For us, we see electron beam as a complementary technology, ideal for where health and safety are a primary concern, “ Adams said.
“The water-based UV market for kitchen cabinetry and office furniture is very encouraging,” said Yasmin Sayed-Sweet, VP sales and marketing for Alberdingk Boley.
Michael Knoblauch, president of Keyland Polymers, said that capex spending is holding back UV powder coatings, but the opportunities are still there.
“The UV powder coatings market hasn’t grown to where we thought it would be, but it still has good growth potential and more companies are looking into the technology,” added Knoblauch.
